Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-05-28
THE SLEEPING SOLDIERS.

Mondays Memorial Day Services
The Local Observances---T The Gen
eral q. A. X. Order.
Monday, May 80. is designated for the
purpose of strewing with flowers Or 9th,
erwise decorating the graves of comrades
who died in defense of their country dur
ing the late rebellion, and whose bodies
now lie in almost every city, village ant
hamlet churchyard in the land. In this
observance no form of ceremony is pre-
scribed. but posts and comrades within
their own way arrange such fitting cere'
mOny and testimonials of respect as cir
cumstances may permit. COMMANDMENT
Chief Fairchild of the G. A. R. has ISSUED
an order pertaining to the observance Of
the day, in which he says:
We are organized, comrades, as oul
regulations tell US, for the purpose, among
other things, of preserving and strength
ening those kind and paternal feelings
which have bound together the soldiers,
sailors and marines who united in the
suppression of the late rebellion
What can aid more to secure this res
suit than eherishing most tenderly
the memory of our heroic dead. who
made their breasts barricade between
our country and its foes? Their soldier
lives were the reveille of freedom TO a
race in chains, and their death the tattoo
of rebellious tyranny in arms. We
should guard their graves with sacred
vigilance. All that the consecrated
wealth and taste of the nation can add to
their adjournment and security is but a
fitting tribute to the memory of her slain
defenders. Let no wanton foot tread
rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let
pleasant paths invite the coming and
going of reverent visitors and fond
mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice
or neglect, no ravages of time testify to
the present or coming generations that
We have forgotten as people the cost of
free undivided republic. If other eyes
grow dull and other ban is slack, and
other hearts cold in solemn trust, ours
shall keep it well as long as long as the
light and warmth of life remain to us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed
gather around their sacred remains and
garland the passionless mounds above
them with the choicest flowers of springs
time; let US raise above them the dear
old flag they saved from dishonor; let
us in this solemn presence renew our
pledges to aid and assist those whom they
have left among us, sacred charge upon
nations gratitude-the soldiers and
sailors widow and orphan.
1t is the purpose of the commander
mischief to inaugurate this observance
with the hope that it will he kept UP
from year to year, while a survivor of
the war remains to honor the memory OF
his departed comrades Department
commanders will use every effort to make
this order effective.
The programme of local observances
has been agreed upon. In the morning
at $50 all civic and military organizations
are requested to form on Union square,
when the procession will be taken up to
the soldiers monument in charge OF Capt.
W J. Ransom, marshal of the day. The
monument will be decorated with flowers
aai addresses made by W, Fl. Hatch and
DR.. Jos. Mckee In the afternoon the
post and Sons of Veterans will Join in
the exercises on the island, The pupils
of the high school will decorate the graves
of soldiers at Chippiannock aud the other
cemeteries
In the way of amusements the Rock
Island base ball park will be formally
opened, and in addition to the game be-
tween the Rock Island and GeneseC
mines, there will be foot race and othel
interesting attractions.
The Modern Woodmen societies o
Rock Island, Moline and Milan go ovel
to Davenport at 2:3O to Join with theil
Iowa brethren in Il ,nic at Schuetzel
park.
A chorus of twelve male voices under
the leadership of C. E Griffith. will sins
at the county 'ldier.' monument in the
III orning.